Scarlett Johansson gets ‘Under the Skin’

Actress to star in Jonathan Glazer's sci-fi pic

Scarlett Johansson is set to star in Jonathan Glazer’s sci-fi pic “Under the Skin,” which Glen Basner’s FilmNation is launching at the American Film Market.

Pic is based on Michel Faber’s tome, published by Canongate. Glazer, helmer of “Sexy Beast,” adapted the script with Walter Campbell and is set to begin production next spring. Glazer has been working to get the project off the ground for more than five years.

Nick Wechsler and James Wilson are producing. Film4’s Tessa Ross is exec producing, while Tanya Seghatchian is shepherding for the U.K. Film Council, which helped finance development with assistance from Scottish Screen.

Storyline revolves around an alien disguised as a mesmerizing woman who snares human prey on remote highways and other desolate spots with her voracious sexuality. Over time, she begins to change her thinking about humans and finds herself on a collision course with her own kind.

“We’re so very excited to be working on this arrestingly original movie,” Basner said. “How could we pass up the chance to work with a visionary director like Jonathan, especially when combined with the intriguing notion of Scarlett Johansson as a ruthless alien seductress?”